The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged support for the humanitarian advocacy programme of Miss World Nigeria 2026, Tamunosoye Karibi George, aimed at promoting inclusion, education and empowerment for children living with disabilities and special needs.
The commitment came during a courtesy visit by the beauty queen to the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, where the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, commended her passion for vulnerable groups and assured her of the Commission’s readiness to partner with her non-governmental organisation to advance the initiative.
Karibi, whose advocacy project, Beyond Label, seeks to challenge societal stereotypes and improve opportunities for children with special needs, said the campaign was designed to encourage society to recognise ability rather than disability.
According to her, children with disabilities are often overlooked despite possessing enormous potential to excel when provided with the right support and opportunities.
“We want society to see ability before disability and possibility before limitation. These children are capable of achieving remarkable things if given the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
The beauty queen explained that her commitment to the cause was inspired by her experiences at a school for children with special needs, where she witnessed first-hand how education, mentorship and dedicated care transformed many from complete dependence to greater independence and self-confidence.
Describing the children as “diamond labels,” Karibi noted that her project would focus on awareness creation, advocacy and educational support to help dismantle barriers limiting their participation in society.
Ogbuku said the Commission identified strongly with programmes that improve the welfare of vulnerable populations, stressing that the objectives of Beyond Label aligned with the NDDC’s mandate of driving sustainable development and social inclusion across the Niger Delta region.
He stated that the Commission would explore areas of collaboration to ensure the success of the initiative and expand its reach to underserved communities.
The NDDC boss also congratulated Karibi on emerging as Miss World Nigeria 2026, describing her as a role model capable of inspiring young people across the region.
He recalled that the Niger Delta had previously produced a global beauty icon in Agbani Darego, the first Black African woman to win the Miss World crown, expressing optimism that Karibi would continue the tradition of excellence.
Ogbuku highlighted several intervention programmes undertaken by the Commission, including free medical outreach services, educational support schemes, youth empowerment programmes, skills acquisition initiatives and community development projects.
Speaking during the visit, Karibi’s father, Mr Karibi George, described her emergence as Miss World Nigeria as a testament to hard work, resilience and commitment to service.
He noted that the Beyond Label project embodied the Miss World philosophy of “Beauty with a Purpose” and would provide a platform for raising awareness about the challenges facing vulnerable and underserved children while promoting greater acceptance and inclusion within society.
The visit underscored growing collaboration between development institutions and advocacy groups seeking to improve the lives of disadvantaged members of society through targeted interventions and sustainable support programmes.
